Life with Addison–my fifteen-month-old daughter–is quite the adventure. There is plenty of joy and laughter. There are moments when I am utterly exhausted–more tired than I think I have ever been before in my life–and a fair share of frightening instances too. What’s exciting is that in small ways, Addison is causing me to view my faith differently. In fact, three spiritual lessons really stand out.
Spiritual Lessons on Being a Baby
1 Peter 2:2, Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
Babies are cute. They are also messy and a lot of work. From a spiritual perspective, all of us begin our journey of faith as babies. We are spiritually immature, messy, and quite the handful.
There are days where my most challenging job as a parent is keeping little Addison safe. Do you remember those power-outlet plugs? The one’s parents use to fill the empty light-sockets to prevent babies from putting their tiny fingers into the holes? Addison likes to pull those out and bring them to me as a gift. She always does this with an enormous, mischievous smile on her face. Babies are not supposed to be able to take those out! Addison is far too advanced for her age, and this can be exhausting.
I wonder if God ever feels this way about me? The good news is that God knows full well that spiritual babies are going to act like babies. I’m pretty sure that God also is very aware that during our “spiritual teenage years,” you and I are going to be quite the handful.
Despite all of the mischief that Addison gets into, it has never–not even for one second–caused me to love her less. The bottom line is that our childishness, mistakes, and poor judgment, don’t throw God off. Perhaps, we are sometimes harder on ourselves than God is on us?
1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us. Have you messed up? Fine, confess your fault, and move on. As a dad, I would never want my kiddos to get hung up on the past. My guess is that God feels the same way about us. God doesn’t want us to get stuck in the past. Instead, like other dads, He longs for us to confess our errors and move on.
Spiritual Lessons in Fatherly Delight
Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Jesus spent time with children. And it’s easy to understand why. Coming home after work is the highlight of my day. The second the front door opens, my two older daughters yell out, “Daddy’s home.” Addison–who is too little to speak in complete sentences–squeals with delight and does a happy dance.
I love my kids. I also really like spending time with them. I once heard a pastor say, “God likes you.” It’s an interesting twist. Most of us know that God loves us. Perhaps we’ve heard these words so many times that the meaning has gotten lost. God not only loves you, He really likes you too! Psalm 149:4 says, “For the LORD takes delight in his people.”
Did you know that you bring a smile to God’s face? He delights in you!
Spiritual Lessons in Growth
2 Peter 3:18, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Some days, it feels like little Addison is growing up far too fast. Jenny and I often talk about how quickly time is flying by. Yet, her growth is a good thing. If Addison wasn’t developing, the conversations that Jenny and I have would be far more serious. Babies are meant to grow. And although I miss some things about the baby stage, there are new and exciting adventures in her current toddler stage.
Max Lucado eloquently describes the importance of spiritual growth in his book, Just Like Jesus
Watching Addison grow over these past fifteen months has been fun. It has also been an awesome reminder that:
- God expects His children to act like children. He is not surprised nor overly frustrated by our childish mistakes.
- You and I bring a smile to God’s face. He delights in us right where we are.
- And, as time goes by, God expects us to grow.
These are just a few of the spiritual lessons that God has been reminding me of over the past few months. What spiritual lessons have you been learning? I’d love it if you’d join in the conversation in the comments below.
Babies and children are wonderful teachers, Jed. Somehow we struggle to keep those simple lessons in the forefront as we age. 🙂 Great post.
Thanks D. Sure appreciate you, and the words of encouragement 🙂
Jed,
I understand exactly where you are coming from. I often have these same thoughts and experiences with my daughter. I am always encouraged at how the Lord uses simple things to get our attention and grow us in a new way. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Joshua 🙂 It really is amazing how much us parents, learn from our kids.
One of my favorite verses is Zephaniah 3:17, which says “He will sing over you with songs of joy.” I love that image of God singing or humming about us – about me.
Great Scripture, and an incredibly fun thought!
I just love the insights that you’ve shared here! I have learned many faith lessons from my granddog, a wonderful beagle named Marty! And I’m sure my new granddaughter is going to expand my understanding of God, too. Each of your three points was so, so good, Jed. But my favorite was the second one. I spent the other day babysitting, and I laughed so much. It’s really special to realize that God delights in us (some days I think He just tolerates me…but then, there’s your lesson #1, right?!)
Addison is a wonderful *teacher* – and our Heavenly Father has much to teach us if we’re willing to be taught!
GOD BLESS!
Hey Sharon,
Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family. Yes, Addison is an excellent, ongoing, reminder of God’s goodness and grace–our family truly is blessed. Thank you for stopping by and joining in the conversation.
Thank you for sharing such a sweet post about the spiritual lessons you have learned watching your precious daughter. It was easy for me to relate as my 10 month old granddaughter, and her momma (my daughter) and daddy are living with us. It has been so special to be a part of my granddaughter’s life in such a close and intimate way.
Thank you for the analogies you shared comparing a little one to our own spiritual walk. I especially liked thinking about God “liking” me. Like you said, of course we know that Jesus loves us, but to like someone, conjures up images of friendship. O, what a friend we have in Jesus.
It was a treat to visit here today.
Hey Karen,
Thank you for stopping by and for the encouraging words. Wishing you a blessed week!